BACKGROUND: INTRODUCTION

The Klickitat Watershed Enhancement Project (KWEP) focuses on the Klickitat River and its tributaries that provide or affect salmonid habitat.  An emphasis is placed on restoration and protection of watersheds supporting native anadromous fish production, particularly steelhead (Oncorhyncus mykiss) which are listed as "Threatened" within the Mid-Columbia ESU and spring Chinook (O. tshawytscha).  Assessment and restoration work conducted in the West Fork system target bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus), which are ESA "Threatened".  Restoration activities are aimed at restoring stream processes by removing or mitigating watershed perturbances and improving habitat conditions and water quality.  Habitat improvements also benefit fall Chinook (O. tshawytscha) and coho (O. kisutch) salmon, resident rainbow trout, and cutthroat trout (O. clarki) and enhance habitat for many terrestrial and amphibian wildlife species.  Protection activities compliment restoration efforts within the subbasin by securing refugia and preventing degradation.  Since 90% of the off-reservation project area is in private ownership, maximum effectiveness is accomplished via cooperation with state, federal, tribal, and private entities. The Klickitat Watershed Enhancement Project (KWEP) addresses goals and objectives presented in the Klickitat Subbasin Plan, Klickitat Lead Entity Strategic Plan, and the 1994 NWPPC Fish and Wildlife Program.  


BACKGROUND: PROJECT GOALS
The overall goal of KWEP is to restore watershed health to aid recovery of salmonid stocks in the Klickitat subbasin.  There are three sub-goals:
•  Assess watershed and habitat conditions to prioritize sites for restoration activities.   This involves data collection, compilation, and review of existing as well as historic habitat and watershed conditions.  Identification and filling of data gaps is also a component of KWEP.
•  Protect, restore, and enhance priority watersheds and reaches to increase riparian, wetland, and stream habitat quality.  In-situ and watershed-scale restoration activities mitigate or resolve conflicting historic, present, and/or future land-uses.  Protect areas of existing high-quality habitat condition and prevent further deterioration of degraded habitats.  Restore areas of degraded stream channel and/or habitat condition.
•  Monitor watershed conditions to assess trends and effectiveness of restoration activities.  Monitoring is a critical component to evaluating project success and guiding adaptive practices.  Site-specific and basin-wide spatial scales are addressed.  KWEP augments the Klickitat M&E project by assisting data collection and providing QA/QC and analysis of channel morphology, streamflow, temperature, habitat, and channel substrate.


BACKGROUND: ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
Most of the projects in which KWEP is involved involve partners and cost-sharing.  The nature of KWEP involvement is noted for each project (WE Group).  A categorical exclusion was completed for KWEP planning, design, data management, and monitoring activities on January 26, 2004.   BPA determined that such actions do "not present any extraordinary circumstances that may affect the significance of the environmental effects," and, "that the proposed action may be categorically excluded from further NEPA review and documentation."  Projects involving KWEP-funded ground disturbance beyond the scope of the categorical exclusion are noted accordingly.  


BACKGROUND: WORK ELEMENT (WE) GROUPS

GROUP 1:  Project Management and Development
GROUP 2:  Klickitat River (RM 18 - 32) Floodplain Conservation and Restoration Project - Phase 1  
GROUP 3:  Klickitat River (RM 18 - 32) Floodplain Conservation and Restoration Project - Phase 2
GROUP 4:  Lower Klickitat River Riparian Re-vegetation Project - Phase 1
GROUP 5:  Klickitat River (RM12) Salmon Habitat Restoration Project
GROUP 6:  Lower White Creek Restoration Project
GROUP 7:  Tepee Creek - IXL Meadows Restoration Project
GROUP 8:  White Creek Road Rehabilitation - Phase 1
GROUP 9:  Tepee Creek Fish Passage Restoration      
GROUP 10:  Trout Creek Fish Passage Improvement Project
GROUP 11:  Upper Klickitat River In-Channel and Floodplain Enhancement Project - Phase 1
GROUP 12:  Swale Canyon Upland and Riparian Habitat Enhancement Project
GROUP 13:  Improve Farming Practices
GROUP 14:  Assist Planning Activities
GROUP 15:  Habitat Assessment and Monitoring
GROUP 16: Klickitat Meadows Project


BACKGROUND - WORK ELEMENT GROUP NARRATIVES

Group 1:  Project Management and Development

Provide management oversight (budgeting, subcontracting, scheduling, coordination, etc.) for KWEP as well as individual projects.  Develop out-year projects and produce required reports.


Group 2:  Klickitat River (RM 18 to 32) Floodplain Conservation and Restoration Project (Phase 1)

On the ground goal:  The Klickitat River Floodplain Conservation and Restoration (Phase 1) project will protect and restore habitat between river miles 18.3 and 32.2 of the Klickitat River.  Phase 1 will protect 320 acres of floodplain, riparian and associated upland through a SRFB-funded acquisition, acquisition and removal of a 14 mile-long road segment that encroaches on the floodplain, and revegetation of 7.5 acres of riparian and floodplain habitat.  
FY06 KWEP activity:  KWEP involvement in FY06 will include planning assistance (including appraisal cost share) and oversight of planting operations. Implementation actions during the FY06 contract beyond the scope of the categorical exclusion are anticipated to be funded by a Columbia Land Trust (CLT)-sponsored SRFB grant.    

Background:  This portion of the river has the greatest habitat complexity of any reach in the lower Klickitat River and provides critical spawning, migration and rearing habitat for winter and summer steelhead (ESA-Threatened), Chinook salmon (spring and fall runs), and coho salmon. The project area occurs within a reach identified by the Klickitat Technical Advisory Group (KTAG) as second out of 21 priority areas within the Klickitat Lead Entity's scope.  This reach provides a high proportion of the basinwide spawning habitat for all three species, accounting for roughly 30%, 51%, and 38% of the annually observed basinwide spawning for steelhead, fall Chinook, and coho, respectively.  Riparian and floodplain conditions have been degraded by a combination of 1996 flood deposits and channel encroachment by road fill, although the absence of other floodplain development coupled with somewhat less-confined valley conditions has afforded the river in this reach greater resiliency than downstream reaches.  Phase 1 of the project was initiated in 2004.  

CLT and the Campbell Group are immediate project partners.   The Campbell Group is the management entity for the property's current owner, Rainier Timber Co.  Rainier Timber Company is anticipated to be purchased by John Hancock in either late 2005 or 2006.  KWEP is contributing to the project as the technical lead for design and construction oversight of restoration actions and assisting planning activities.  

Phase I implementation (acquisition and planting) is being funded by a SRFB grant sponsored by CLT that KWEP personnel helped author in 2004.  FY06 riparian re-vegetation will be funded by the same SRFB grant facilitating the acquisition.  Property acquisition associated with the project is being handled by CLT and is anticipated to occur in FY07.


Group 3: Klickitat River (RM 18 - 32) Floodplain Conservation and Restoration Project (Phase 2)

On the ground Goal:  The Klickitat River Floodplain Restoration Phase 2 Project will enhance and restore riparian and floodplain habitat between river miles 18.3 and 32.2 of the Klickitat River.  Specifically, 2.1 intermittent miles of road will be modified or removed to reduce channel confinement.  Restoration of floodplain access along 0.94 miles is also anticipated to increase off-channel habitat for steelhead and salmon.

FY06 KWEP activity:  During the FY06 contract KWEP will provide funding for survey, design, and permitting assistance. Implementation actions during the FY06 contract beyond the scope of the categorical exclusion are anticipated to be funded by a CLT-sponsored SRFB grant.

Background:  This portion of the river has the greatest habitat complexity of any reach in the lower Klickitat River and provides critical spawning, migration and rearing habitat for winter and summer steelhead (ESA-Threatened), Chinook salmon (spring and fall runs), and coho salmon.  This reach provides a high proportion of the basinwide spawning habitat for all three species, accounting for roughly 30%, 51%, and 38% of the annually observed basinwide spawning for steelhead, fall Chinook, and coho, respectively. Riparian and floodplain conditions have been degraded by channel encroachment by road fill.

The project area is encompassed by the "Lower Klickitat Mainstem: Little Klickitat to Leidl Bridge" reach which is in the top tier of geographic priorities identified in the 2005 Klickitat Salmon Recovery Strategy. The project addresses both limiting features and functions identified in the 2005 draft Klickitat Salmon Recovery Strategy for this reach by breaching portions of the road to restore connectivity and pulling -back and re-vegetating fill materials in other portions to enhance riparian vegetation.

KWEP and CLT personnel recently completed a SRFB grant proposal to fund Phase 2 implementation that will reduce adverse road-river interaction. Proposed Phase 2 actions are based on a feasibility study completed during Phase 1. Pending receipt of the SRFB grant for implementation and appropriate permits, construction will occur in 2007.


Group 4: Lower Klickitat River Riparian Re-vegetation Project (Phase 1)

On the ground goal:  The goal of this project is to increase native riparian and floodplain vegetation, woody debris recruitment, and potential for trapping fine sediment between river miles 2.6 and 18.3 of the Klickitat River.  Phase I activities will occur on seven sites and total 6.9 acres with 1.45 miles of stream bank being planted with species such as willow, cottonwood, dogwood, and alder.

FY06 KWEP activity:  During the FY06 contract KWEP will provide funding for design, permitting assistance, and construction oversight.  It will also assist with funding materials and supplies.  

KWEP actions are encompassed by a categorical exclusion completed by BPA Environmental Compliance staff in 2004.  Implementation actions during the FY06 contract beyond the scope of the categorical exclusion will be funded by a Mid-Columbia Regional Fisheries Enhancement Group (MCRFEG)-sponsored SRFB grant.

Background:  This project addresses limiting habitat features (poor riparian and floodplain vegetation) identified for this reach in a top geographic priority identified by the Subbasin Plan and KLESRS.  This reach is a migration and rearing corridor for nearly 100% of migratory fish in the Klickitat watershed and has accounted, on average, for 10% of observed basin wide steelhead spawning. The project area occurs within a reach identified by the Klickitat Technical Advisory Group (KTAG) as fourth out of 21 priority areas within the Klickitat Lead Entity's scope.

Riparian conditions in this reach are generally poor due to a combination of 1996 flood deposits and channel encroachment by highway and railroad fill. Many of the flood deposits are well above the 2-year flood surface and at a comparable elevation to surfaces that are well-vegetated and are generally stable.  Vegetation has been very slow in colonizing these coarse, well-drained substrates. Similar deposits from flooding in 1974 along Swale Creek (a Klickitat River tributary) are still bare.


Group 5: Klickitat River (RM12) Salmon Habitat Restoration Project

On the ground goal:  Improve habitat quality for spring Chinook, summer steelhead, and winter steelhead (Tier 1 priority species). In addition to the Tier 1 species listed, the project will improve rearing, holding, and migratory habitat for fall Chinook and coho salmon between river miles 12.1 and 13.6.  Project actions will include construction of six large woody debris (LWD) jams (Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, white fir) and revegetation of 2.2 acres of floodplain along 1,625 feet of bank. An additional 2.8 acres of adjacent upland will be planted with ponderosa pine.

FY06 KWEP activity:  During the FY06 contract, KWEP will provide funding for survey, design, permitting, and administration. It will also assist with funding materials and supplies.  

KWEP actions are encompassed by a categorical exclusion completed by BPA Environmental Compliance staff in 2004.   Implementation actions are anticipated for FY07, pending approval of a MCRFEG-sponsored SRFB grant.

Background:  This project addresses limiting habitat features (lack of channel complexity and poor riparian vegetation) identified for this reach in a top geographic priority identified by the Subbasin Plan and KLESRS.  Implementation and related oversight will occur during FY07 pending approval of SRFB funding.  This project occurs within the "Lower Klickitat Mainstem: Mouth to Little Klickitat" reach identified as a top-tier geographic priority in the Klickitat Lead Entity Salmon Recovery Strategy (KLESRS) along the Klickitat River.  Riparian and floodplain plantings will increase bank stability, floodplain roughness, and bank cover. Upland plantings will increase long-term woody debris recruitment potential.  LWD treatments will enhance channel complexity and help maintain a side-channel; the cost-share aspect of this project includes at least 10,000 bf of wood donated by the property owner.  


Group 6: Lower White Creek Restoration Project

On the ground goal:   This project is aimed at restoring channel complexity and improving rearing habitat for Tier 1 priority species (summer and winter steelhead) identified in the KLESRS, but is anticipated to benefit adult holding and spawning habitat as well.  The project reach occurs along the mainstem of White Creek between RM 3 and RM 6 and will involve treatment at 18 sites.   Treatments will involve LWD jams construction within existing pools.  Excavation will be conducted at some sites to increase residual pool depths.

FY06 KWEP activity:  During the FY06 contract, KWEP will provide funding for survey, design, permitting, and administration.  It will also assist with obtaining materials and supplies.  

KWEP actions are encompassed by a categorical exclusion completed by BPA Environmental Compliance staff in 2004.  Implementation actions are anticipated for FY07, pending approval of a YNFP-sponsored SRFB grant and approval by YN Tribal Council.

Background:  The proposed project addresses limiting habitat features (bed degradation, pool structure, and LWD abundance) identified for this reach in a top geographic priority identified by the Subbasin Plan and KLESRS.  White Creek, a 3rd order tributary of the Klickitat River, provides important spawning and rearing habitat for ESA-listed Middle Columbia River steelhead.  The White Creek watershed as a whole is likely the most important spawning and rearing tributary watershed within the Klickitat subbasin. In recent years, the White Creek watershed has accounted for up to 40% of the observed steelhead spawning in the entire Klickitat subbasin.  


Group 7: Tepee Creek - IXL Meadows Restoration Project

On the ground Goal:  Increase floodplain storage, reduce severity of active channel hydraulic conditions during high flows, and potentially restore base flows to this and downstream reaches.  This will be achieved by restoring floodplain connectivity via elevating the bed along a 1700' reach immediately downstream of the IXL road crossing.

FY06 KWEP activity: KWEP will provide funding for survey, design, permitting, administration, and construction oversight.  It will also assist with funding materials and supplies.  

KWEP actions are encompassed by a categorical exclusion completed by BPA Environmental Compliance staff in 2004.  Implementation actions are anticipated for FY06, pending approval of a YNFP-sponsored SRFB grant and approval by YN Tribal Council.

Background:  The proposed project addresses limiting habitat features (bed degradation and pool structure) identified for this reach in a top geographic priority identified by the Subbasin Plan and KLESRS.  Tepee Creek, a tributary to White Creek in the Klickitat River subbasin, provides important spawning and rearing habitat for ESA-listed Middle Columbia River steelhead. The White Creek watershed as a whole is likely the most important spawning and rearing tributary watershed within the Klickitat subbasin. In recent years, the White Creek watershed has accounted for up to 40% of the observed steelhead spawning in the entire Klickitat subbasin. Tepee Creek has accounted for up to 21% of the observed spawning in the Klickitat subbasin in recent years, however in most years it likely accounts for between 5 and 10%.  Extensive reaches of Tepee Creek have become incised and are now intermittent in many places that anecdotal evidence suggests were once perennial.


Group 8: White Creek Road Rehabilitation - Phase 1

On the ground goal:  Reduce road-related runoff into the stream network in the White Creek watershed.  Existing waterbars will be modified and new waterbars will be constructed along approximately 6.0 miles of "high" and "very high" priority hydrologically connected road segments in the White Creek watershed.  Work will implement design guidelines developed from previous assessment work.

FY06 KWEP Activity:  KWEP will provide funding for survey, design, permitting, administration, and construction oversight.  It may also assist with funding materials and supplies.  

KWEP actions are encompassed by a categorical exclusion completed by BPA Environmental Compliance staff in 2004.  Implementation actions during the FY06 contract beyond the scope of the categorical exclusion will be funded by a YNFP-sponsored PCSRF grant.  

Background:  The proposed project addresses limiting features (increased peak flows due to road runoff) identified for this reach in a top geographic priority identified by the Subbasin Plan and KLESRS.  White Creek, a 3rd order tributary of the Klickitat River, provides important spawning and rearing habitat for ESA-listed Middle Columbia River steelhead. The White Creek watershed as a whole is likely the most important spawning and rearing tributary watershed within the Klickitat subbasin.  In recent years, the White Creek watershed has accounted for up to 40% of the observed steelhead spawning in the entire Klickitat subbasin.


Group 9: Tepee Creek Fish Passage Restoration Project

On the ground goal:  To restore juvenile salmonid access to 8.7 miles (cumulative) of upstream habitat.  This project will replace culverts (identified as partial barriers to fish migration using WDFW protocols) at three sites in the Tepee Creek watershed and also re-grade/resurface a cumulative total of approximately 0.2 miles of related road.

FY06 KWEP Activity:  During the FY06 contract KWEP will provide funding for survey, design, permitting, administration, construction, and construction oversight.  It will also assist with funding materials and supplies.  A YNFP-sponsored SRFB grant will cost-share implementation actions.  NEPA and HIP Bi-Op checklists will be prepared to cover the actions of all three sites.

Background: The proposed project addresses limiting features (passage) identified for this reach in a top geographic priority identified by the Subbasin Plan and KLESRS.  Tepee Creek, a tributary to White Creek in the Klickitat River subbasin, provides important spawning and rearing habitat for ESA-listed Middle Columbia River steelhead. The White Creek watershed as a whole is likely the most important spawning and rearing tributary watershed within the Klickitat subbasin. In recent years, the White Creek watershed has accounted for up to 40% of the observed steelhead spawning in the entire Klickitat subbasin. Tepee Creek has accounted for up to 21% of the observed spawning in the Klickitat subbasin in recent years, however in most years it likely accounts for between 5 and 10%.   However, post-emergence movement by steelhead fry and juveniles is critical to their survival and in some areas of Tepee Creek there is very low to nonexistent base flow conditions at spawning areas and rearing sites.


Group 10: Trout Creek Fish Passage Improvement Project

On the ground goal:  To restore juvenile salmonid access to 8.3 miles (cumulative) of upstream habitat.  This project will replace culverts (identified as partial barriers to fish migration using WDFW protocols) at two sites along the Peavine Ridge Road (Bear Creek and Trout Creek) and also re-grade/resurface a cumulative total of approximately 0.2 miles of related road.

FY06 KWEP Activity:  During the FY06 contract KWEP will provide funding for administration, construction, and construction oversight for replacement of the Bear Creek site.  It will also assist with funding materials and supplies.  A YNFP-sponsored SRFB grant will cost-share implementation actions.  BPA-funded construction will occur outside of the ordinary high water mark (OHWM).

The Bear Creek site was included within an Environmental Assessment completed by the BIA.  BPA Environmental Compliance (EC) staff have indicated that BPA can accept the BIA EA provided additional information is provided.  KWEP staff will provide EC staff with the requisite information.  KWEP will also provide funding to complete the design for the Trout Creek crossing.  Construction at Trout Creek will be funded by Yakama Forest Products.  In the event that the Trout Creek installation occurs in FY06, KWEP would provide funding for oversight.

Background:  The YNFP received a SRFB grant in 2003 to replace both crossings to restore fish passage and bedload and debris continuity. Both crossings occur within the Closed Area of the Yakama Reservation; one on Trout Creek and one on Bear Creek. The pipes for both crossings were purchased with BPA dollars. If everything goes according to schedule, the Bear Creek pipe will be installed in September and October 2005. There is some potential that work may extend into November and would thus require oversight during the FY06 contract. Installation of the Trout Creek pipe will be funded under a timber sale in either 2006 or 2007.

Group 11: Upper Klickitat River In-Channel and Floodplain Enhancement Project - Phase 1

On the ground goal:  Enhance instream habitat and water quality to benefit mid-Columbia steelhead (ESA - Threatened) and spring Chinook (WDFW - Depressed) at three priority sites totaling 0.29 river miles (cumulative) along the Klickitat River between RM 70 and 74.5.  Work will involve reshaping and replanting 0.62 miles (cumulative) of bank and 2.1 acres of floodplain.

FY06 KWEP Activity:  KWEP will provide funding for survey, design, permitting, and administration. It will also assist with funding materials and supplies.  A YNFP-sponsored PCSRF grant will cost-share in-stream implementation actions.  

Planning and design actions are encompassed by a categorical exclusion completed by BPA Environmental Compliance staff in 2004.  NEPA and HIP Bi-Op checklists will be prepared to cover implementation actions which are expected to occur in FY07.  

Background:  Work will restore ecosystem characteristics and processes and address priority factors identified as limiting salmonid production in the Klickitat Subbasin Plan as well as the Klickitat Lead Entity Salmon Recovery Strategy.  The core EDT reach that encompasses project sites ranks third overall in the Klickitat subbasin in restoration potential for combined performance of steelhead and spring Chinook.  Project work addresses most of the top limiting factors identified for the reach.  Proposed activities build upon the experience of recent large woody debris (LWD)-based habitat projects completed in upper reaches of Klickitat River and its tributaries.

The intent of the project is to reduce the interaction between the 255 Road and the Klickitat River in three locations and improve in-channel habitat conditions.  The 255 Road is the arterial road for the upper third of the Klickitat watershed and is the primary access route for tribal members to access reservation lands for ceremonial, subsistence and economic purposes as well as for transporting forest products.  Relocation of the road would be a more desirable option and allow for evolution of a more stable planform and profile.  However, the size of the road and valley morphology make relocation cost prohibitive.  

The project will involve a combination of construction of floodplain between the active-channel and fill slope and channel relocation away from the fill slope.  The finished grade of the new floodplain will be constructed to be inundated by 2-year recurrence (and greater) floods and provide a 15 to 30 horizontal foot buffer from road fill.  A base layer of boulders and LWD will be placed to create the core of the new floodplain surface.  This surface will be backfilled and graded with native cobble and gravels generated from channel excavation.  The new surface will be planted with dormant hardwood cuttings.


Group 12: Swale Canyon Upland and Riparian Habitat Enhancement Project

On the ground goal:  Enhance instream habitat to benefit mid-Columbia steelhead (ESA - Threatened) along 1400 feet of Swale Creek in the vicinity of RM 2.0.  The project scope involves creation of large woody debris (LWD) jams at up to six sites along roughly 600 feet (discontinuous) of stream.  Pools adjacent to LWD jams will be deepened to depths of 3 to 5 feet.   Banks will be pulled-back to decrease hydraulic forces on the active channel and promote floodplain regeneration.  Disturbed surfaces will be planted with native vegetation.  

FY06 KWEP Activity:  KWEP will provide funding for survey, design, permitting, and administration.  It may also assist with funding materials and supplies.  

KWEP actions are encompassed by a categorical exclusion completed by BPA Environmental Compliance staff in 2004.  Implementation actions during the FY06 contract beyond the scope of the categorical exclusion will be funded by a landowner-sponsored Washington State Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) grant.  Implementation is anticipated for FY07.

Background:  Swale Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for mid-Columbia steelhead (ESA - "Threatened").  Habitat conditions are poor with pools being particularly limited. Data collected by the YN Fisheries Program indicates that in the portion of Swale Creek that includes the project reach, there are 7 pools per mile which account for only 4.2% of the habitat by channel length. During FY04, KWEP personnel assisted a Swale Creek landowner prepare a Washington State Landowner Incentive Program grant proposal. Funding for the grant was approved and in FY05 the work is being done.

The proposed work will effectively speed channel recovery by simulating the effects of several large floods by reconstructing the floodplain and channel to emulate natural processes that occur over a long period of time.  Floodplain surfaces generated by the project will provide growing environments that will increase survival of riparian vegetation during major flood events and assist breaking the current dis-climax cycle where vegetation recovery is reset every time there's a major flood.

If sufficient funding is available once all six elements are completed, bank pull-back and re-vegetation would be conducted along adjacent floodplain and channel sections within the overall project reach.  


Group 13: Improve Farming Practices

On the ground goal:  Increase residual ground cover (stubble) in agricultural fields between crop cycles and reduce disturbance to the soil profile.  The net result is greater infiltration of precipitation into the soil profile and less surface runoff and soil erosion.  This project targets smaller farmers (typically 80 ac or less) for whom it is not economical to purchase such equipment.  

FY06 KWEP activity:  KWEP involvement during the FY06 contract will involve personnel time for administering a YN-sponsored PCSRF grant that funds purchase of a small no-till drill.  KWEP staff will also develop and administer a MOA between the YN and Central and Eastern Klickitat County Conservation District (CEKCCD).  CEKCCD will be responsible for management and maintenance of the drill.  Operation of the drill will be performed by individual landowners at their own expense.  

Background:  Agricultural sources in the watershed are a substantial contributor of fine sediment since most fields typically lack cover crops and the fields are bare through at least half of the wet season.  No-till (aka "direct seed") drills are farm implements that effectively seed a crop without tilling the ground.  The practice is well-suited for grain crops (e.g. wheat) which are the predominant crop in the area.  CEKCCD estimates that 6-10 landowners on roughly 300 acres will participate in the first year with increased landowner participation in subsequent years.


Group 14: Assist Planning Activities

This element is a placeholder to allow personnel time for providing input on proposed land-use actions and/or salmon recovery processes that affect conditions with the Klickitat subbasin. In the past this has meant participating in Subbasin Planning, Salmon Recovery Planning, and attending Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meetings. Other actions and documents potentially affecting stream habitats in the Klickitat basin will be reviewed as they are issued. Ground disturbing activities beyond the scope of the categorical exclusion will be funded by non-BPA sources.


Group 15: Habitat Assessment and Monitoring

On the ground goal:  Augment monitoring and assessment of physical watershed characteristics in the Klickitat subbasin.  Supplement data and analysis of the Klickitat M&E project by assisting with collection, QA/QC, and analysis.  Conduct effectiveness monitoring at past KWE-related project sites.  

FY06 KWEP activity:  Assist data collection and management of channel morphology, streamflow, temperature, habitat, and channel substrate data.  KWEP actions are encompassed by a categorical exclusion completed by BPA Environmental Compliance staff in 2004.  

Background:  Site-specific and basin-wide spatial scales are addressed.  Project-specific monitoring will include Klickitat Meadows (Diamond Fork) Restoration, Klickitat River Meadows Restoration, and the Surveyors Creek Fish Passage Enhancement projects.


Group 16: Klickitat Meadows Project

On the ground goal:  The overall goal is to restore floodplain connectivity and salmonid habitat of the Diamond Fork in the vicinity of Klickitat Meadows (RM 8.2 -12.2).  

FY06 activity:  Hold an annual interagency meeting in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the YNFP and the Washington Department of Natural Resources.  Present results of historic restoration activities and subsequent monitoring and discuss future restoration actions.  Visit past project sites to conduct effectiveness monitoring.  

KWEP actions are encompassed by a categorical exclusion completed by BPA Environmental Compliance staff in 2004.

Background:  Klickitat Meadows occurs within Tract C of the Yakama Reservation. Lands in Tract C are in non-tribal ownership with even numbered sections administered by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and odd-numbered sections owned by a private timber company.  Sources of habitat degradation and channel instability are believed to be due to flooding compounded by altered watershed hydrology and immediate site conditions.  Watershed hydrology has likely been altered by timber harvest and residual effects on groundcover from historic overgrazing in the uplands. Floodplain jeep trails, have had site-specific effects contributing to avulsion and erosion.  Unrestricted historic riparian grazing is believed to be the most significant contributor to altered channel morphology as well as streamside vegetation composition, resulting in site conditions that decreased the ability of the stream to sustain large flow events and increased floodplain susceptibility to avulsion.